Removing Decals

[Guest]

Hi folks, got a problem with a rather large Sci-Fi model and Decal Silvering..... Not being an expert in Decals they have turned out less than spectacular :neutral:

The Model in question is a 1:350 USS Enterprise from Star Trek, and the large Saucer is showing lots of Silvering.... I tried using a Matt Coat as per the instructions but it hasnt done a thing.

Can anyone suggest a method of removing the Decals without harming the paint? Or would the best way be to Wet and Dry the affected parts and give it a flash of Gloss white and re-apply the Decals?

I assume the Pearlescent Tamiya paint under the decals has caused the Silvering? Maybe I should of sprayed this over the decals or put a Gloss clear coat on top of the White?

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

[Ian M]

You say you used a matt coat as per the instructions. The kits instructions or the matt coat. I assume that this is on top of the decal.

What is it for a matt coat?

In short, if the decal has had varnish over it, its sand it back to the decal.

Then you could be lucky and be able to remove the decal with......Vinegar! This is basicly the same stuff decal solutions are based on: acetic acid. If you have some thing like Decal sol, you can use that!!

If the pearl paint had a matt fininsh that could of caused the silvering, but its not due to the paint, it is due to AIR trapped under the decal. As smooth as you think it might be matt paint is rough. that is why its matt. You need to fill all the roughness with gloss varnish. This will exclude the air and result in no silvering.

Good luck

Ian M

[Guest]

You say you used a matt coat as per the instructions. The kits instructions or the matt coat. I assume that this is on top of the decal.What is it for a matt coat?

In short, if the decal has had varnish over it, its sand it back to the decal.

Then you could be lucky and be able to remove the decal with......Vinegar! This is basicly the same stuff decal solutions are based on: acetic acid. If you have some thing like Decal sol, you can use that!!

If the pearl paint had a matt fininsh that could of caused the silvering, but its not due to the paint, it is due to AIR trapped under the decal. As smooth as you think it might be matt paint is rough. that is why its matt. You need to fill all the roughness with gloss varnish. This will exclude the air and result in no silvering.

Good luck

Ian M

Thanks Ian.....

The Matt coat was put on to hide the seams in the decals..... But to be honest it looks awful. I used Vallejo Matt clear coat which is good stuff, just in this instance it hasn't worked out to well. I have used Surgical spirit to remove the Clear Coat which peels off in lumps leaving the decals behind. Following Vallejo's instructions here.

I will now try the Vinegar like you suggested.

Now you mention the bubbles I do remember seeing a fair few.... lesson learned there I think.

Just ordered a new Decal set from the US, £35 for the set £20 postage and takes 3 weeks!!!!

Thanks

Paul

[Ian M]

Thats an expensive set of decals.

I Hope that it works out for you.

Ian M

[Guest]

Thats an expensive set of decals.I Hope that it works out for you.

Ian M

That's why I thought I better ask advice before attempting again :lol:

In the instructions it say to spray the Pearlescent over the white.... but I guess thats what caused the problem. Think it would work to spray the Pearlescent over the decals or put it over the white as before and give it a coat of Clear Gloss before applying decals?

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I built this kit a long time ago, your better to paint it say Polar white, then pearlescent over the top, a gloss coat next , then apply decals, another gloss coat and then I'm guessing a satin coat as you don't want it too shiney.

Adrian